The Texas Hill Country is one of the best spots in the Lone Star State for enjoying the outdoors, especially the water. New Braunfels is home to some of the most amazing bodies of water in Texas, and there is truly something for everyone in the heart of Texas Hill Country. If you’re looking for ways to beat the summer heat in New Braunfels, be sure to check out some of the most popular water recreation activities in the area.
Landa Park
Named after Harry Landa, a prominent New Braunfels businessman who helped shape the early history of the Texas Hill Country and the founder of the Comal County Fair, Landa Park is a beautiful stretch spanning 51 acres. It’s one of the best places to enjoy the Comal Springs, and Landa Lake is the perfect spot for a day of paddle boating on the water or simply stretching out on the riverbank to enjoy the pristine natural scenery.
Landa Park comprises campgrounds, an RV park, picnicking areas, and even a miniature train offering visitors rides through the park. The Panther Canyon Nature Trail is home to fascinating wildlife, and the majority of the park rests in the shade of ancient oak trees. The William and Dolores Schumann Arboretum walking tour will allow you to see more than 50 species of trees, and the Landa Park Miniature Golf Course is a great way to spend the day with the kids.
The Comal River
One of the most popular places to enjoy the water in New Braunfels is the Comal River, a spring-fed natural river open every day of the year for swimming, tubing, and relaxation on the riverside. The Comal River is one of the most popular attractions in the New Braunfels area, stretching from the headwaters springing from the Edwards Aquifer, through Landa Park and downtown New Braunfels, past the Schlitterbahn Waterpark and ultimately merging with the Guadalupe River.
The water is almost always between 70 and 72 degrees, and the Comal River is one of the shortest navigable waterways within the U.S. The water is comfortable enough to be refreshing even in the winter and ideal for cooling off during the summer. The City Tube Chute offers inner tubes for coasting down the Comal River in comfort. River Outfitters offers free parking, but you can find additional parking at Prince Solms, Hinman Island Drive, East San Antonio Street, and Elizabeth Avenue.
The Guadalupe River
At the end of the Comal River is the Guadalupe River, a fantastic spot for anyone looking for waterside recreation including tubing, rafting, canoeing, and fishing. The Guadalupe River is also a hotspot for local events, so be sure to check the event schedule and time your visit accordingly to enjoy great food, welcoming locals, and family-friendly fun.
The Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort
Looking for something a little more modern when it comes to enjoying the water in New Braunfels? The Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort is one of the most popular family-friendly getaways in the area. The park offers 51 different rides and attractions, including a Lazy River for relaxing tubing, water slides for all ages, water coasters, and water playgrounds perfect for kids of all ages. There are also several heated pools and miniature beaches ideal for relaxation. The Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort offers day passes, seasonal rates, lodging for long stays, and countless amenities for locals and visitors alike.
Canyon Lake
If you want to enjoy watersports in a more natural setting, Canyon Lake is the perfect spot. With more than 80 miles of shoreline, Canyon Lake is one of the best places for water sports like swimming, boating, and fishing in the area. The Canyon Lake area is also great for horseback riding and equestrian trails, hiking, biking, camping, picnicking, and fishing. The nearby Canyon Lake Gorge offers guided tours of rock strata, some of which are close to 100 million years old.
The Texas Hill Country is much more than just wide plains and pastureland. The many bodies of water around New Braunfels offer countless opportunities for exploration, relaxation, fishing, watersports, and much more. One of the best parts about living in the Texas Hill Country is the amicable year-round weather, so don’t let the changing of the seasons hold you back from enjoying the water around New Braunfels whenever you please.
For more information, visit Vintage Oaks. Vintage Oaks is a 3,900-acre masterplanned community featuring acreage properties from one to 14 acres priced from the $90s and a variety of custom and semi-custom homes, and is the fastest-growing community in the San Antonio area for five consecutive years.
Owners enjoy amenities including three pools, a lazy river, children’s playgrounds, five miles of nature trails, tennis and basketball courts, sporting fields, and the stunning Tuscan clubhouse. The year-round calendar of events and activities for all ages also includes the Summer Concert Series in Timber Ridge Park, dining out groups, Bunco groups, swim-in movies, yoga classes, Wine Night and more.
The new Fitness Club at Vintage Oaks gives owners a world-class facility right in the community, with 7,800 square feet of space including: large indoor/outdoor classrooms; a lap and fitness pool; Precor cardio and Life Fitness weight equipment; a hot tub; locker rooms; and more than 100 group exercise classes per month including yoga, water aerobics, and boot camps.
Learn more about the newest land release in the Hill Country below.
